The goodness of herbs | Chennai First

Don Bosco School, Egmore, has been organising this State level event every year. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

Veerababu’s herbal canteen inside Ripon Building has a loyal set of followers. K. Sarumathi reports on what keeps it going

Sridhar is paying his first visit to this canteen inside Ripon Building. And this is not going to be his last. In fact, Sridhar says this is going to be one of many visits.

“I came here for some work and heard about the canteen. The food is healthy, good and affordable. I will surely come back.” There are many others like Sridhar, including the staff of the Corporation office, who swear by the food.

The canteen at Rippon Building recieves over 500 visitors. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

Three years since it was established, the herbal canteen inside the Ripon Building continues to be a hit among the health-conscious. Started by Veerababu, a final year student of Arignar Anna Government Hospital and a resident of Saligramam, the canteen receives 500 visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

A Siddha specialist, Veerababu started his first restaurant from his clinic in Saligramam. “When I found this space for my clinic, it was too big. I converted a portion into a canteen and started selling health food. I was then invited by the Mayor to start a similar canteen inside the Ripon Building,” he says.

The Avaram and nilavembu juice are among the most sought-after at the canteen. “You will get it on all days, throughout the year. While Avaram is preferred by those with diabetics, Nilavembu helps deal with fever and cold. Apart from these two, we offer other health drinks on different days,” says Veerababu. Sweets and savouries on offer include thinai halwa, banana-leaf kozhukattai, ragi puttu and wheat kuli paniyaram. The canteen also offers meals with one herb in each item at Rs 15. Breakfast includes variety dosa made from mudakathan, khambu and choolan. Other preparations are priced between Rs. 5 and Rs. 15.

Mooligai Unavagam in Rippon Building. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

Veerababu is now all set to launch his restaurant at 100 Feet Road in Vadapalani, which is expected to have something for both the fitness enthusiast and the carb-craver. “The work on the building is going on and it should be ready in a month. The restaurant will also sell herbal and millet products at wholesale prices,” he adds. Veerababu can be reached at 98402 78009.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> DownTown / by K. Sarumathi / March 14th, 2015